Mohawk Council of Akwesasne opposes Fridays opening of new bridge span

AKWESASNE - The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, the government recognized by Canada on the Canadian side of the transborder St. Regis Mohawk Reservation, says it wont participate in any opening ceremonies for a new bridge span connecting Cornwall Island to Cornwall, one of two spans connecting Massena to Cornwall.

The span is expected to open at 7 a.m. Friday.

The Mohawk Council of Akwesasne issued a release Thursday saying it has numerous concerns and issues that have yet to be addressed by the Federal Bridge Corporation Limited, the Seaway International Bridge Corporation, and the Canada Border Services Agency.

The council said its concerns include the Canada Border Services Agencys failure to accommodate its need for an alternative reporting mechanism on Cornwall Island, traffic congestion due to there being just two lanes at the new toll booth plaza, and failure by all three parties to address emergency-related concerns on the bridge, such as ambulance accommodation and the need to develop a joint emergency response plan.

Commenting rules:

Stick to the topic of the article/letter/editorial.

When responding to issues raised by other commenters, do not engage in personal attacks or name-calling.

Comments that include profanity/obscenities or are libelous in nature will be removed without warning.

Violators' commenting privileges may be revoked indefinitely. By commenting you agree to our full Terms of Use.